The NFL, Politics, and the Purity of Sports
The NFL recently announced the return of social messaging on its fields this season, including phrases like “end racism” and “choose love.” This decision raises questions about the role of politics in athletics and whether such messages truly belong in a realm traditionally focused on results and achievement.
Athletics vs. Politics: A Clash of Ideals
Athletics and politics represent fundamentally different approaches. Sports are inherently result-based. Performance is measured objectively, and outcomes are determined by skill and strategy. Excuses hold little weight. In contrast, politics is often characterized by rhetoric, negotiation, and compromise, where excuses and justifications can become primary tools.
As the author notes, politicians are often described as "people too ugly for entertainment but too uncoordinated for athletics," highlighting a perceived reliance on manipulation rather than demonstrable skill. This contrast emphasizes the author's concern about introducing political complexities into the simpler world of sports.
The Perils of Political Division
The author, identifying as a Republican, points out the divisive nature of political discourse. The example of the 2020 election and claims of it being "rigged" are used to illustrate how political narratives can be distorted and used to undermine trust. The author argues that Donald Trump's poor debate performance likely influenced voters, negating the need for conspiracy theories.
The Weariness of Endless Political Battles
Following events like the COVID-19 pandemic, the George Floyd riots, and multiple presidential elections, the author expresses a profound weariness with the constant fighting and lack of resolution in the political sphere. The observation that political issues are often "kicked down to the states" highlights a sense of stagnation and a failure to achieve lasting solutions at the national level.
“The front page advertises man’s failures; the sports pages report men’s achievements,” U.S. Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren said.
This quote underscores the fundamental difference: sports offer a clear, measurable demonstration of human accomplishment, while politics often showcases human failings.
Protecting the Purity of Sports
While the author doesn't necessarily object to the sentiments behind messages like "end racism" or "choose love," they argue that such messages simply don't belong in the context of sports. The core argument is that sports should remain a space where achievement is based on merit and skill, free from the divisive and often unproductive nature of political debate. The author contends that the most dangerous thing for young athletes is to join the Democrat and Republican Party.
